The Ala Hayat ‘Little Innocents’ Association, founded by volunteer healthcare workers in Türkiye, has treated approximately 5,000 Syrian children, inspired by the story of 16-year-old Emine İsmail, who suffered severe burns during the Syrian civil war.

Emine, injured when a bomb fragment struck her stove in Aleppo, endured 40 surgeries in Türkiye, with treatment ongoing. Ayşegül Aksu, the association’s president, recalled her first meeting with Emine: “She showed me a photo of herself before the burns and expressed her wish to close her eyes and move her neck again.”

Aksu emphasized the ongoing challenges Emine faces, including permanent scars and a future without typical milestones like marriage or children. The association continues to support her medical needs while highlighting the plight of over 700 Syrian children still requiring treatment in Turkey.

Emine expressed her hope to return to school once her treatment concludes.